Journalists write "knowingly" on the situation in Israel without ever living here; without first hand knowledge of what it means to live in this tiny country in the midst of a rather unfriendly neighbourhood.
I write without vengeance, without hatred, just what I experience,the view from my veranda and the thoughts in my head.
My archive is available at www.lingomatics.com/Shabbatshalom/index.html

About Me

I am a freelance journalist living in Jerusalem. I strive to tell the truth as it is never seen in the media - the life of one Israeli trying to get along with everyone but not willing to deny her past nor her identity.

Friday, 22 April 2016

160422 Shabbat Shalom Chag Pesach Sameach, Hillary, Trump, Bus bomb

160422

Fri, 22 April 2016 = 14th
of Nisan, 5776, י״ד בְּנִיסָן תשע״ו

Erev Pesach

Gosh, I really didn't
think I would manage to write today, with 27 people coming to us for Seder
night, but all is cooked and prepared, the tables are laid and I couldn't leave
you in the air with such an important week.

Jerusalem was shaken
out of her sense of "The Singles Intifada" when I suddenly looked
from my veranda, as Rachel and the children left our place, to see a pall of
black smoke rise from distant Talpiot, right next to Beit Tsafafa. The
ambulances, fire-engines and police sirens began invoking memories of the 2nd
Intifada and although the Israel police took time to confirm it, at first
believing it was a mechanical fault in the bus engine – it was indeed a
homicide bombing. The bomber, the terrorist was severely injured but didn't
die. He was taken to Shaare Zedek hospital and given medical care equal to that
of the young girl whose life he changed utterly in his moment of hatred.
Ultimately he succumbed to his injuries. We are so sad, so sad, that the hatred
continues to the extent that in the Ramallah people stood handing out candies
in celebration.

UNESCO has decided………….
The Temple Mount, the wellspring of Judaism and Christianity, is not Jewish and
therefore not Christian. If the Temple Mount is not Jewish and Christian then
we don't exist presumably.

Through a friend,
Michael Gal, I learned a new expression – confirmational bias. It means that
one only listens to information which confirms your prior and self-serving
thoughts. It clearly represents most students, a large number of politicians
and certain Israelis who disappoint me most of all. I learned this week that
there are Israelis who support BDS, who support Breaking the Silence and other
disgraceful organisations. They take the very best out of Israel, growing up in
an open and democratic society; socialized medicine for all; politically open;
unfettered as to sexual preference; indeed living free then claiming we are a
tyrannical occupying force!! I am sorry but such people have absolutely no
concept of the truth and do not understand the oppression of our enemies on
their people. It makes me cross.

Joe Biden disappointed
me this week. He spoke out against our Prime Minister, who as you know I didn't
vote for, but all but blamed him for the difficulties of negotiations. Perhaps
he should look to the past and understand that without Hosni Mubarak to force
the PA leaders into an agreement of sorts we stand no chance!!! They really
don't want and agreement as Hillary Clinton told Bernie Sanders loud and clear.

Which brings me nicely
to the Presidential candidates! And then there were two. Now it is The Donald
against the Hillary - we wait with bated
breath.

Last Friday we went to
a "veddink"! It was Libi Lauren and Eitans wedding in Tel Aviv. She
looked gorgeous, her flower girls were amazing (Zvi's littlest grand-daughters)
and their vows beautiful. We wish them a fulfilling life together, always
taking the best, enjoying the ride and putting back even more. Her Daddy, David
Efron (Honorary Consul for Israel to Puerto Rico) and Kathy Rundle walked Libi
up the aisle to her Eitan, the biggest smile on their faces.

David brought a group
of friends with him from Puerto Rico, most for their first trip to Israel, and
they loved every moment – especially Zvi's guiding through his beloved Jerusalem
and Hannas guiding in Bethlehem.

Jay Massirman came
last weekend together with an excellent group of Real Estate Agents from Miami,
on a Federation VIP trip. We were thrilled to see jay and his friends
graciously allowed us to be part of their Shabbat. Jay – love you more each
time!!!

Finally, but certainly
not least, Elisabeth and George Gelb are here! They came ot help us rearrange
our home yesterday and are joining us at our Seder table tonight. What joy!

That's it! Can't stop
any longer, Seder awaits. Jerusalem has closed down – even though Zvi found me
some kosher le Pesach borekas for lunch!!!!!

I just want to return
to Michael Gals expression of confirmational bias and thought about the Four
Sons of the Passover Story. The wise son, who wants to learn and works hard to
understand; The wicked son who disregards out of hand any of the teachings; The
Simple Son who in todays society doesn't know to ask because he was never shown
the beauty of traditions and finally the son who is too young to ask……….. but
perhaps is open to being taught. Remind you of anyone? Perhaps the middle two
sons are lost, although love can bring them back, but the youngest can be
shown. Without seeing traditions he can never make an educated choice.

I wish you a joyous
Pesach, one filled with family. Remember when you sing the songs tonight –
there is one you need to sing so loudly that someone outside your home will
understand…… Le Shana Ha Ba'a B'Yerushalyim. Next Year in Jerusalem – 2,000 years of
yearning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fiytXErdpU